We are the oldest continuous congregation in Little Rock. The first small church in Little Rock was launched by a Baptist denomination in 1824. In 1832, a noted evangelist, Rev. Benjamin Hall of Kentucky, was invited to come to the pioneer town to preach God's word. He was part of the Reformation Movement and on July 4, 1832, the 10 members of the church declared they were uniting with the Disciples of Christ movement. Afterwards, 15 people made their confession of faith. Rev. Hall remained for six months and there was a congregation of eighty members.
By 1845 a new church on Scott between 3rd and 4th streets was built and the congregation continued to grow. A town clock was added to the tower and it became known as the town-clock church. The need for more room and a move west saw a new church constructed and dedicated in 1909 at 10th and Louisiana Streets. From 1920-1927 a city-wide men's Sunday School class led by pastor Harry Knowles met in a nearby theater and had attendance of over 1,000.
First Christian, major contributor, along with 3 sister congregations sponsored a revival with noted Evangelist Charles Scoville, drawing 3,000 to accept Christ. These services were also the first radio broadcast of religious services in Arkansas.
Dr. Roy Rutherford, who succeeded Harry Knowles, preached the shortest sermon. His subject was “Should Women Preach?” His sermon consisted of one word, “Yes.”
Again, for more room and congregants moving to western part of city, a church was built on an old drive-in location at 1500 Mississippi St. That church, under the leadership of Dr. Dan Kenner, was dedicated in March, 1962.
After many years of worship and large attendance, the numbers began to wane during the 21st century, along with many church denominations. The church plant became too expensive to maintain and so the congregation moved west again in 2017 to a smaller, more modern plant today. Like those early members of First Chrisitan Church, we too will reach out to do what is needed to fulfill our calling. Our challenge today is to be all God calls us to be.
